Sheet delivery apparatus

ABSTRACT

A sheet delivery apparatus for continuously discharging sheets from a printing press includes a pair of laterally spaced rails horizontally mounted to the press frame and positioned between a delivery chain and delivery platform of a printing press delivery unit. A plurality of transverse rods are slidably positioned for longitudinal movement within channels of the spaced rails. A network of diagonally extending rods are connected in underlying relationship to the transverse rods and together therewith form a horizontally extensible frame arranged to extend and retract between the spaced rails. A roller is mounted in parallel relationship to the front end portion of the extensible frame, and a flexible belt attached at one end to the press frame is positioned in overlying relation with the extensible frame and extends around the roller with the other end portion wound around a cylinder rotatably mounted to the press frame. A pneumatic piston cylinder device is secured to the press frame and includes a piston rod that is secured to the rear transverse rod of the extensible frame. Actuation of the cylinder extends the piston rod outwardly to move the rear transverse rod longitudinally and through the connected diagonal rods moves the remaining transverse rods longitudinally to extend the frame and position the belt in sheet receiving position beneath the delivery chain. Processed sheets released from the delivery chain are deposited on the belt during unloading of the delivery platform. After the delivery platform is returned to sheet receiving position, the piston rod is retracted, and the transverse rods, together with the diagonal rods, move rearwardly to thereby retract the extensible frame permitting sheets released by the delivery chain to be deposited in a pile on the delivery platform.

United States Patent [1 1 Lenoir [4-5] Sept. 2, 1975 SHEET DELIVERYAPPARATUS [75] Inventor: Franz N. Lenoir, Marcinelle,

Hainaut, Belgium [73] Assignee: Miller Printing Machinery C0.,

Pittsburgh, Pa.

[22] Filed: Jan. 4, 1974 [21] Appl. N0.: 430,733

Primary Examiner-Richard A. Schacher Assistant Examiner-Bruce H. Stoner,Jr. Attorney, Agent, or FirmStanley J. Price, Jr.

[57] ABSTRACT A sheet delivery apparatus for continuously dischargingsheets from a printing press includes a pair of laterally spaced railshorizontally mounted to the press frame and positioned between adelivery chain and delivery platform of a printing press delivery unit.A plurality of transverse rods are slidably positioned for longitudinalmovement within channels of the spaced rails. A network of diagonallyextending rods are connected in underlying relationship to thetransverse rods and together therewith form a horizontally extensibleframe arranged to extend and retract between the spaced rails. A rolleris mounted in parallel relationship to the front end portion of theextensible frame, and a flexible belt attached at one end to the pressframe is positioned in overlying relation with the extensible frame andextends around the roller with the other end portion wound around acylinder rotatably mounted to the press frame. A pneumatic pistoncylinder device is secured to the press frame and includes a piston rodthat is secured to the rear transverse rod of the extensible frame.Actuation of the cylinder extends the piston rod outwardly to move therear transverse rod longitudinally and through the connected diagonalrods moves the remaining transverse rods longitudinally to extend theframe and position the belt in sheet receiving position beneath thedelivery chain. Processed sheets released from the delivery chain aredeposited on the belt during unloading of the delivery platform. Afterthe delivery platform is returned to sheet receiving position, thepiston rod is retracted, and the transverse rods, together with thediagonal rods, move rearwardly to thereby retract the extensible framepermitting sheets released by the delivery chain to be deposited in apile on the delivery platform.

8 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures PATENTEK? SEP ZISYS sum 2 OF 7 SHEETDELIVERY APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION I. Field of the InventionThis invention relates to a sheet delivery apparatus for continuouslydischarging sheets from a sheet processing machine and more particularlyto an apparatus for continuously operating a sheet processing machinewhile intermittently positioning the sheet delivery apparatus inposition to receive processed sheets.

2. Description of the Prior Art At the delivery unit of a sheetprocessing machine, such as a printing press, provision must be made tocollect processed sheets delivered from the printing press during theinterval in which the sheet delivery platform is removed from thedelivery unit during the exchange or unloading of the delivery platform.

In known sheet processing machines, a delivery unit is provided in whichtwo guide rails are mounted adjacent the delivery chains in underlyingrelation therewith, A rack device is manually operated between the guiderails so that the sheets fall on the rack during the exchange of thedelivery platform having a full load of sheets. Once the deliveryplatform is returned to its original position beneath the delivery unit,the rack is retracted and the sheets collected thereon are removed toonce again permit collection of the sheets on the delivery platform.However, a problem is presented in that at the precise moment at whichthe rack is to be introduced into the path of the falling sheets, therack must be operated to receive the sheets so as not to damage thesheets.

Other sheet delivery units associated with sheet processing machinesprovide lateral guide rails arranged beneath the delivery chain withinthe path of the sheets as they are discharged from the delivery chain.Rod members fabricated from a material such as rubber having arelatively high coefficient of friction are arranged in overlyingrelationship with the lateral rails.

Rollers positioned in close relationship to one another are introducedinto the guide rails by a chain driven by a motor during the exchange ofa full delivery table. The frictional engagement of the rollers withinthe guide rails permits the rollers to rotate uniformly in the samedirection. With this arrangement, there is little or no relativemovement between the upper side of the receiver element and the sheetreceived thereon. However, after continuous operation of this device,the rotatably mounted rollers begin to wear, providing nonuniformfrictional contact between the rollers and the rods, resulting inrelative movement between the upper side of the receiver element and aprocessed sheet deposited thereon. There is needto provide a sheetdelivery apparatus which permits continuous operation of a sheetprocessing machine during the interval in which the delivery table isunloaded.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION platform is positioned beneath the deliverychains and is arranged to receive sheets released by the gripperdevices. An extensible frame having a front end portion and a rear endportion is mounted on the sheet processing machine between the deliverychains and adjustable platform. A receivingdevice is supported by theextensible frame to receive sheets released by the gripper devices. Anactuating mechanism is provided for extending and retracting theextensible frame together with the receiving device to position thereceiving device beneath the endless chains for receiving sheetsreleased by the gripper devices when the adjustable platform is removedfrom beneath the delivery chains to thereby permit continuous operationof the sheet processing machine. 1

The extensible frame includes a pair of laterally spaced rails mountedhorizontally on the frame of the sheet processing machine above theadjustable platform. The rails have channels extending the lengththereof. A plurality of spaced transverse rods are positioned betweenthe rails and are arranged for longitudinal movement within the channelsthereof. A network of spaced diagonal rods are positioned in underlyingrelationship with the transverse rods and are pinned intermediately tothe midpoint of the transverse rods with the end portions of thediagonal rods slidably connected to the transverse rods. The slidableconnection between the diagonal rods and transverse rods permits thediagonal rods to move on the transverse rods. Displacement of the reartransverse rod is transmitted through the diagonal rods to the remainingtransverse rods to move the transverse rods longitudinally between thespaced rails and thereby extend or retract the extensible frame.

The extensible frame is extended and retracted by means of a fluidactuated cylinder. A piston rod positioned within the cylinder extendsoutwardly therefrom with the end portion thereof rigidly linked to therear transverse rod of the extensible frame, Actuation of the cylinderextends the rod outwardly to move the rear transverse rod longitudinallyforward between the laterally spaced rails. Longitudinal movement of therear transverse rod pivots the diagonal rods at their pinned connectionto the transverse rods to provide for longitudinal movement of thetransverse rods and extension of the extensible frame between the railsto position the extensible frame beneath the delivery chains.

In a second embodiment of the invention, an endless chain is rotatablymounted on and positioned parallel to that extensible frame/The endlesschain is reeved about a pairof sprockets mounted to the extensibleframe, and one of the sprockets is rotated in a preselected direction bya power transmission unit. The endless chain is linked to one of thetransverse rods, preferably the front transverse rod, so that rotationof the sprocket in a given direction will extend and retract the w fronttransverse rod' and the other transverse rods, to-

delivery apparatuswhich intermittentlyreceives sheets delivered from thedelivery unit of a sheet processing machine when the delivery platformis removed from beneath the delivery unit for unloading.

These and other objects of this'invention will be more completelydescribed and disclosed in the following specification, the accompanyingdrawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of thesheet delivery apparatus, illustrating the extensible frame mounted on aprinting press frame adjacent the sheet delivery platform therefor.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the extensible frame mounted on' theprinting press, illustrating the pneumatic cylinder device for extendingand retracting the frame members.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary view in elevation, illustrating theconnection of the pneumatic cylinder device to the extensible frame andthe belt positioned over the extensible frame.

FIG. 4 is a view in section taken along the line IV--IV of FIG. 3,illustrating the rear transverse rod mounted for longitudinal movementin the channel of the rail member.

FIG. 5 is a view in section similar to FIG. 4, illustrating the fronttransverse rod mounted for longitudinal movement in the channel of therail member.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary elevation partially in section ofanother embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the drivenendless chain rotatably mounted to the extensible frame for extendingand retracting the transverse and diagonal rods.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary elevation partially in section of theembodiment shown in FIG. 6, illustrating the driven endless chainrotatably mounted on a sprocket positioned at the forward end portion ofthe extensible frame.

FIG. 8 is a fragmented top plan view of the embodiment of the presentinvention shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, illustrating the manner in which thedriven endless chain may be connected to the extensible frame to extendand retract the transverse and diagonal rods of the extensible frame. 7

FIG. 9 is a view in side elevation of the power transmission drivinglyconnected to the endless chain for rotating the chain to extend andretract the extensible frameas illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8.

DESCRIPTION OF THE'PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the drawings, andparticularly FIG. 1, there is illustrated a sheet delivery apparatusthat is positioned adjacent the delivery end of a sheet processingprinting press. For purposes of illustration and example, the sheetdelivery apparatus is shown in combination with a printing press but isoperatively adaptable for use with other sheet processing machines, suchas a cutter and creaser. Gripper devices I engage the processed sheetsand convey the sheets forwardly in the direction indicated by the arrow2 on a rotatably mounted endless delivery chain 3 to a positionoverlying a delivery platform 4. The delivery platform 4 is verticallyadjustable in the direction indicated by the arrow 5. As the front edgeof the processed sheet is conveyed toward the delivery platform 4, thefront edge gripper device 1 releases the front edge of the processedsheet. The front edge of the processed-sheet remains engaged by the tailedge gripper device I until the sheet is in'substantially overlyingrelation with the pile of sheets collected on the delivery platform 4.The front edge of the sheet is then released by the tail edge gripperdevice 1 permitting the sheet to be deposited on the pile of sheets. Thedelivery platform 4 is vibrated in a well-known manner to maintainregister of the pile of sheets thereon.

Horizontally mounted in underlying relation with delivery chain 3 andelevated above the delivery platform 4 at a position generallydesignated by the numeral'6 is an extensible frame 7 cantilevered to theprinting press frame. A flexible belt 8, preferably fabricated from aplastic or fabric material, is secured at position 9 to the printingpress frame and extends over the upper surface of the extensible frame7. The belt 8 is reeved around the roller 10 rotatably mounted to and inparallel relationship with the front end portion of the extensible frame7 and extends below the frame over the surface of the roller guide 11 toa wind-up cylinder 12. The belt 8 is wound in a continuous roll on thewind-up cylinder 12 which is rotatably mounted to the printing pressframe. The cylinder 12 includes a tensioning device that maintains apreselected tension in the belt 8 in the direction indicated by thearrow 13.

The frame 7 is illustrated in retracted position in FIG. 1 and by meansto be explained hereinbelow the frame 7 is extended in the directionindicated by arrow 14 so that the roller 10 is displaced from itsinitial position to position 15 for receiving sheets released by thegripper devices 1 of the delivery chain 3. As the frame 7 extends,additional portions of the belt 8 are fed from the cylinder 12 until theframe 7 comes to rest at position 15. The belt 8 is positioned toreceive thereon the printed sheets released by the gripper devices 1during the interval when the delivery platform 4 is exchanged forunloading. The tensioning device associated with the wind-up cylinder 12maintains a preselected tension in the supporting belt 8 as the belt isfed from the cylinder. With this arrangement, substantially no relativemovement exists between the belt 8 and the sheets deposited thereon asthe frame 7 and the supporting belt 8 are extended and retracted.

The present invention is not limited to conventional sheet processingprinting presses, but is adaptable to receive sheets released from thegripper devices 1 of a delivery chain 16 associated with a reciprocatingcutter, also illustrated in FIG. 1. Both delivery chains 3 and 16 arerotatably driven by sprockets l7 and are guided over guide rollers 18mounted to the machine frame.

In the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 2 5, theextensible frame 7 includes a pair of laterally spaced rails 19 rigidlysupported by the printing press frame. Longitudinal channel members areformed integral with the rails 19, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. Apneumatic piston cylinder device 20 is mounted at one end to theprinting press frame and includes a piston rod 21 which projectsoutwardly from the other end of the cylinder 20. The piston rod 21 ispinned to a vertical plate member 22 that is secured to the reartransverse rod 23. The transverse rod 23 is one of a plurality ofspaced, parallel transverse rods comprising the extensible frame 7. Theend portions of the transverse rods are slidably positioned in thechannels of the rails 19 to permit longitudinal movement of thetransverse rods therebetween.

In operation, when the delivery platform 4 is positioned beneath thedelivery unit for receiving sheets released from the delivery chain 3,the extensible frame 7 together with the belt 8 is retracted to permitthe processed sheets released from the gripper devices 1 to fall in apile upon the delivery platform 4. The delivery platform 4 is availableonly to accept materials intermittently even though the printing pressoperates continuously. For the intervals in which the delivery platform4 is exchanged for unloading, it is necessary for compensation to bemade in the sheet delivery system in order to avoid intermittentshutdowns of the printing press. Therefore, to avoid interruption of theprinting press operation when the delivery platform 4 is not in positionbeneath the delivery unit, the pneumatic cylinder 20 is actuated toextend the piston rod 21 and thereby extend the frame 7 to position thebelt 8 beneath the delivery chain 3 in the path of the sheets releasedtherefrom.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, a wind-up cylinder 25 is secured to a shaftrotatably mounted to the printing press frame and positioned adjacent tothe extensible frame 7. The flexible belt 8 is wound around the wind-upcylinder 25, and a suitable tensioning device maintains a preselectedtension in the belt. The belt 8 is fed from the cylinder 25 below theframe 7, passes around the roller 10, and extends in overlyingrelationship with the frame 7 to position 9 where the end of belt 8 issecured to the printing press frame. Extension of the piston rod 21connected to the transverse rod 23 through the vertical plate member 22moves the transverse rod 23 together with the remaining transverse rodspositioned within the channels of the rails 19 forwardly until the fronttransverse rod 26 is positioned at the front end portion of the frame 7,as shown in FIG. 2.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate the arrangement for mounting the reartransverse rod 23 and the front transverse rod 26 within the channels ofthe rails 19. The ball bearing 27 is secured by bolt means to the reartransverse rod 23 and is arranged for rotation on the horizontal surfaceof the rail channel. Rotation of the ball bearing 27 permits the reartransverse rod 23 to move longitudinally in the channel upon actuationof the pneumatic cylinder 20. In a similar fashion, the ball bearing 28is pinned to the front transverse rod 26 for rotational movement on thevertical surface of the rail channel thereby providing for longitudinalmovement of the front transverse rod 26 between the rails 19 uponactuation of the pneumatic cylinder 20.

FIGS. 6 9 illustrate another embodiment of the present invention forextending and retracting the transverse rods between the rails 19. Apair of driven endless chains 29 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 8)are rotatably mounted to the extensible frame 7 and extend parallel toand outboard of the rails 19. A pneumatic piston-cylinder unit 30, shownin FIG. 9, provides for rotational movement ofa shaft 39 upon which apair of sprockets 32 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 8) are mountedadjacent the front end portion of the rails 19. A second pairofsprockets 31 are rotatably mounted to the rear end of the rails 19. Apair of endless chains 29 reeved about the sprockets 31 and 32'arearranged to rotate in a predetermined direction upon rotation of thesprockets 32 on the shaft 39. The endless chains 29 are rigidly linkedto one of the transverse rods so that rotation of the endless chains 29in a given direction will extend or retract the plurality of trans verserods linked together in a manner explained hereinbelow.

In FIG. 8 the front transverse rod 26 is rigidly linked to the endlesschain 29 by a plate member 33. Accordingly, actuation of the pneumaticpiston-cylinder unit rotates the sprocket 32 and moves the chain '29,together with the rod 26, in a predetermined direction. As indicated inFIG. 7, counterclockwise rotation of the sprocket 32 moves the chain 29in the direction indicated by the arrowr34 to retract the fronttransverse rod 26 together with the remaining rods so that the sheetsreleased by the gripper l are deposited in a pile on the deliveryplatform 4.

Referring to FIG. 9, there isillustrated the power transmission forrotating the endless chains 29 which includes the pneumaticpiston'cylinder unit generally designated by the numeral 30. Rotation ofthe lever 35 introduces compressed air into the unit 30 and displaces apiston arranged for reciprocal travel within the unit 30 from itsinitial position. A rack (not shown) is connected to the piston andmeshes with a pinion gear secured to the shaft 36 for rotationtherewith. Thus, the linear displacement of the piston within the unit30 is converted by the rack and pinion combination to provide rotationalmovement of the shaft 36. The shaft 36 is drivingly connected to theoutput shaft 38 through the transmission gearing mechanism generallydesignated by the numeral 37. The output shaft 38 is, in turn, drivinglyconnected to the shaft 39 to rotate the sprocket 32. Accordingly, withthis arrangement, rotation of the lever 35 in a given direction actuatesthe pneumatic piston-cylinder unit 30 to transmit rotation through thesprocket 32 to the endless chain 29 reeved therearound.

counterclockwise rotation of the sprocket 32 and the endless chain 29moves the front transverse rod 26, connected to the endless chain 29through the link plate 33, forwardly between the rails l9. Forwardmovement of the front transverse rod 26 and the remaining transverserods linked thereto extends the frame 7 to feed the belt 8 from thecylinder 25 into position for receiving sheets discharged by the gripperdevices l. Rotation of the chain 29 in the opposite direction moves thefront transverse rod 26 and the remaining transverse rods rearwardlybetween the rails 19 to thereby remove the frame 7 and the belt 8 fromposition beneath the delivery chains 3 when the delivery platform 4 isreturned to position beneath the delivery chains 3 for receivingdischarged sheets.

FIG. 6 illustrates the extensible frame 7 in its retracted position withthe cylindrical member 10 positioned in substantially overlyingrelationship with the guide roller 11 and the transverse rods positionedin close adjacency between the rails 19. Actuation of the pneumaticpiston-cylinder unit 30 rotates the chain 29 to advance the transverserods forwardly between the rails 19. The cylindrical'member 10 is thenpositioned adjacent the sprocket 32 as shown in FIG. 7.

Referring to FIG. 8, there is illustrated the linkage between thetransverse rods of the extensible frame 7 in which a network of parallelspaced diagonally extending rods 41 are pinned at their end portions toslides 40 that are arranged for substantially frictionless movement inthe direction indicated by the arrow 43 on the spaced transverse rods 42positioned between the front and rear transverse rods 26 and 23.

Each of the diagonal rods 41 are pivotally connected at their midpointto a corresponding intersecting diagonal rod 4l'and are rigidly securedto the midpoint of the respective transverse rods by the link 45. Withthis arrangement, the midpoint of each of the diagonal rods 41 isfixedly connected to a transverse rod 42 on the longitudinal axis 44 ofthe frame 7 with the diagonal rod end portions arranged to reciprocateon the transverse rods '42. Thus, longitudinal displacement of the fronttransverse rod 26 or the rear transverse rod 23 will move the endportion of the respective diagonal rod 41, connected to eithertransverse rod, toward and away from the axis 44 in the directionindicated by the arrow 43 with the midpoint of the diagonal rod pivotingabout the axis 44. Then movement of the diagonal rod 41 connected to thefront transverse rod 26 or the rear transverse rod 23 is transmittedthrough the link 45 to the remaining transverse rods 42 and diagonalrods 41 so that the diagonal rods 41 slide on the transverse rods 42which move longitudinally between the rails 19.

To position the frame 7 beneath the delivery chain 3 for receivingsheets discharged by the grippers l, the shaft 39 and sprocket 32 arerotated in a clockwise direction to move link plate 33 forwardly withthe chain 29 which rotates about the sprocket 32. As described above,forward movement of the front transverse rod 26 is transmitted to theremaining transverse rods 42 through the diagonal rods 41 to therebyexpand the extensible frame 7. Expansion of the extensible frame 7 movesthe belt 8, supported at the front end portion of the frame 7 by theroller 10, into sheet receiving position beneath the delivery chain 3.

To retract the frame 7 once the delivery platform 4 has returned tosheet receiving position beneath the delivery chain 3, the sprocket 34is rotated in a counterclockwise direction, moving the link plate 33rearwardly together with the front transverse rod 26 connected thereto.The rearward movement of the front transverse rod 26 is transmitted tothe diagonal rods 41 which move in parallel relationship on thetransverse rods 42 away from the axis 44 as the diagonal rods 41 pivotabout their connection to the rods 42 on the axis 44. Thus, theremaining transverse rods 42 move rearwardly between the rails 19 tothereby retract the extensible frame 7. Retraction of the extensibleframe 7 removes the roller and the belt 8 from sheet receiving positionbeneath the delivery chains 3.

It will be apparent from the hereinabove described embodiments of thepresent invention that the sheet delivery apparatus provides forcontinuous discharge of processed sheets from the delivery unit of aprinting press without interruption during the unloading of the deliveryplatform. For the intervals when the platform is not available toreceive sheets released from the delivery chains, extension of the frameby movement of the transverse and diagonal rods between the lateralrails moves the belt into position for receiving the released sheets.Thus, the sheet delivery apparatus intermittently receives processedsheets from the delivery unit when the delivery platform is not in sheetreceiving position. In this manner the delivery platform may beexchanged for unloading without stopping the sheet processing operation.

According to the provisions of the patent statutes, I have explained theprinciple, preferred construction and mode of operation of my inventionand have illus trated and described'what I now consider to represent itsbest embodiments. However, it should be understood that, within thescope of the appended claims the invention may be practiced otherwisethan as specifically illustrated and described.

I claim:

1. In a sheet delivery apparatus for continuously discharging sheetsfrom a sheet processing machine having an endless delivery chainrotatably mounted on the frame of said sheet processing machine,

a plurality of sheet gripper devices connected to said delivery chain,

a vertically adjustable platform positioned beneath said delivery chainand arranged to receive sheets released by said gripper devices, and

the improvement comprising,

an extensible frame having a front end portion and a rear end portionmounted on said sheet processing machine frame between said deliverychain and said platform,

said extensible frame having a pair of laterally spaced rails havingchannels extending the length thereof,

a plurality of spaced transverse rods extending between said rails andarranged for longitudinal movement in said channels,

a plurality of spaced diagonal rods underlying said transverse rods,

means for connecting said transverse rods to said diagonal rods topermit slidable movement of said diagonal rods on said transverse rods,

means supported by said extensible frame for receiving sheets releasedby said gripper devices, and

means for extending and retracting said extensible frame together withsaid receiving means to position said receiving means beneath saiddelivery chain to receive sheets released by said gripper devices whensaid platform is removed from beneath said delivery chain.

2. In a sheet delivery apparatus as set forth in claim 1 in which saidconnecting means includes,

a pair of link members positioned oppositely on the end portions of aplurality of said transverse rods and arranged for slidable movementthereon,

said plurality of diagonal rods having end portions pinned respectivelyto said link members on said transverse rod end portions and arranged tomove with said link members, and

each of said plurality of said diagonal rods having a midpointpositioned in underlying relationship with and pivotally connected tothe respective midpoint of each of said transverse rods.

'3. In a sheet delivery apparatus as set forth in claim 1 in which saidextending and retracting means includes,

a fluid actuated cylinder mounted on said sheet processing machineframe,

a piston rod positioned in said cylinder and having one end portion toone of said transverse rods adjacent the rear end portion of saidextensible frame, and I said piston rod arranged to extend outwardlyfrom said cylinder upon actuation thereof and move said transverse rodadjacent the rear portion of said extensible frame and move saidextensible frame together with said sheet receiving means into sheetreceiving position beneath said delivery chain.

United States Patent [191 Dorer [4 1 Sept. 2, 1975 ENVELOPE FEEDER [73]Assignee: Mathias Bauerle Gmbll, St.

Georgen, Germany 22 Filed: Mar. 25, 1974 21 App]. No.: 454,251

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data I Germany 2322278 PrimaryExaminer+Richard A. Schacher Assistant Examiner-Bruce lI-l. Stoner, Jr.Attorney, Agent, or Firm-So1 L. Goldstein ABSTRACT An envelope feederfor feeding a single envelope at a time from the bottom of a stack ofenvelopes to a filling station of an envelope stuffing machine includesa substantially V-shaped hopper for holding a stack of envelopes in asubstantially vertical position. A feed roller is provided at the bottomof the stack and is in contact feeding engagement with the face of thelower-most envelope in the stack. Positioned immediately in front of theenvelope to be fed from the hopper there is provided a separator meanscomprising an upper retard member and a lower transport roller inengagement with the retard member for separating and advancing theenvelope fed from the hopper by the feed roller. Adjusting means is alsoprovided for positioning the retard member with respect to the transportroller such that the nip therebetween can be varied to accommodate theparticular thickness of the envelopes being fed.

8 Claims, 1 Drawing Figure

1. In a sheet delivery apparatus for continuously discharging sheetsfrom a sheet processing machine having an endless delivery chainrotatably mounted on the frame of said sheet processing machine, aplurality of sheet gripper devices connected to said delivery chain, avertically adjustable platform positioned beneath said delivery chainand arranged to receive sheets released by said gripper devices, and theimprovement comprising, an extensible frame having a front end portionand a rear end portion mounted on said sheet processing machine framebetween said delivery chain and said platform, said extensible framehaving a pair of laterally spaced rails having channels extending thelength thereof, a plurality of spaced transverse rods extending betweensaid rails and arranged for longitudinal movement in said channels, aplurality of spaced diagonal rods underlying said transverse rods, meansfor connecting said transverse rods to said diagonal rods to permitslidable movement of said diagonal rods on said transverse rods, meanssupported by said extensible frame for receiving sheets released by saidgripper devices, and means for Extending and retracting said extensibleframe together with said receiving means to position said receivingmeans beneath said delivery chain to receive sheets released by saidgripper devices when said platform is removed from beneath said deliverychain.
 2. In a sheet delivery apparatus as set forth in claim 1 in whichsaid connecting means includes, a pair of link members positionedoppositely on the end portions of a plurality of said transverse rodsand arranged for slidable movement thereon, said plurality of diagonalrods having end portions pinned respectively to said link members onsaid transverse rod end portions and arranged to move with said linkmembers, and each of said plurality of said diagonal rods having amidpoint positioned in underlying relationship with and pivotallyconnected to the respective midpoint of each of said transverse rods. 3.In a sheet delivery apparatus as set forth in claim 1 in which saidextending and retracting means includes, a fluid actuated cylindermounted on said sheet processing machine frame, a piston rod positionedin said cylinder and having one end portion to one of said transverserods adjacent the rear end portion of said extensible frame, and saidpiston rod arranged to extend outwardly from said cylinder uponactuation thereof and move said transverse rod adjacent the rear portionof said extensible frame and move said extensible frame together withsaid sheet receiving means into sheet receiving position beneath saiddelivery chain.
 4. In a sheet delivery apparatus as set forth in claim 1in which said extending and retracting means includes, a pair ofsprocket wheels rotatably mounted on said extensible frame front end andrear end portions, respectively, an endless chain reeved about saidsprocket wheels and positioned parallel to said extensible frame, powermeans for rotating one of said sprocket wheels and said endless chain ina clockwise and a counterclockwise direction, and means for rigidlylinking said endless chain to said front end portion of said extensibleframe so that rotation of said endless chain in one direction extendssaid extensible frame and rotation of said endless chain in the oppositedirection retracts said extensible frame.
 5. In a sheet deliveryapparatus as set forth in claim 4 in which said linking means includes,a plate having one end portion secured to said extensible frame frontend portion and the other end portion connected to said endless chain sothat movement of said endless chain is transmitted to said extensibleframe front end portion.
 6. In a sheet delivery apparatus as set forthin claim 1 in which said sheet receiving means includes, a firstcylinder rotatably mounted in parallel relationship to said extensibleframe front end portion and movable therewith, a second cylinderrotatably mounted to said sheet processing machine frame, and a belthaving one end portion secured to said sheet processing machine frameand arranged to extend horizontally above said extensible frame, overthe surface of said first cylinder and horizontally below saidextensible frame with the other end portion of said belt wound aroundsaid second cylinder.
 7. In a sheet delivery apparatus as set forth inclaim 6 which includes, said belt arranged to unwind on said secondcylinder as said extensible frame extends to position beneath saiddelivery chain so that sheets released by said gripper devices aredeposited on said belt.
 8. In a sheet delivery apparatus as set forth inclaim 7 which includes, means provided on said second cylinder formaintaining a preselected tension in said belt.